The Best Soccer Cleats (2019 Reviews)

Soccer cleats are an essential piece of gear that every soccer player needs. Wearing the right pair of cleats won’t just keep you comfortable from the start of a game until its conclusion – it could actually make you a better player, too. Speed, stability, and ball control are all affected by what kind of cleats a player is wearing. Finding the correct gear for your game will also reduce your risk of being injured on the pitch. Check out our list of the best shin guards for more on-field protection.

We looked at dozens of soccer cleats to identify the best of the best. A few of the main features we focused on in our search include durability, fit, and texture, all of which play a role in how well a pair of cleats performs in the game.

Comfortable and functional, the Adidas Men’s Performance Messi Soccer Cleats are the best adult soccer shoes you can buy.

While there are plenty of great cleats on the market today, one pair really stood head and shoulders above the rest in our research. The Adidas Men’s Performance Messi Soccer Cleats received glowing reviews on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why – these cleats are built for both performance and comfort. Their state-of-the-art HybridTouch uppers make these cleats soft yet durable. The thinness of the material improves ball handling, giving players the edge they need to take their game to the next level.

Our Top Pick: Adidas Men’s Performance Messi Soccer Cleats

If you’re searching for an all-around great pair of soccer cleats, look no further – the Adidas Men’s F50 Adizero Soccer Cleats will help you live up to your potential on the pitch. Adidas is a tried-and-trusted brand when it comes to sports gear, and Amazon reviewers love these cleats in particular, saying that their lightweight design and comfortable fit make them well worth the price tag. And if that’s not enough to convince you, the F50 Adizero cleats are also a favorite of superstar Leo Messi – what more endorsement do you need?

One of the standout characteristics of these cleats is their thin, soft uppers. The shoes might feel fragile if you’re used to wearing thicker cleats, but don’t be fooled – the HybridTouch material combines the best characteristics of leather and synthetic materials, and it’s just as tough as either. It’s also ultra-light, and it helps players handle the ball with greater precision.

These cleats have a molded sockliner for all-game-long cushioning and comfort. They’ve been treated with anti-microbial technology to prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing in the lining. Choose from two fun, colorful designs that will make you stand out on the field.

Adidas Men’s Performance Messi Soccer Cleats Key Features:

Ultra-light uppers

Soft, thin HybridTouch material

Comfortable molded sockliner

Antibacterial lining to prevent odors

True to size

Endorsed by Leo Messi

Compatible with MiCoach technology

Two colorful designs available

Our Runner Up Pick: NIKE Men’s Hypervenom Phade II Soccer Cleats

The NIKE Men’s Hypervenom Phade II Soccer Cleats are a great choice for outdoor play.

If you want a pair of soccer cleats that will stand up to all-weather outdoor play, the NIKE Men’s Hypervenom Phade II Soccer Cleats may be just what you’re looking for. These cleats are designed for use on firm ground, but Amazon reviewers have noted that they also work well on softer, muddy ground.

The soft synthetic uppers of these cleats come in a variety of bright colors, from electric purple to shocking orange. If you want to stand out on the field before the game even starts, these cleats are an eye-catching choice! And these cleats are just as functional as they are stylish – the TPU sole plate has molded conical studs in front and oblong studs on the heel, giving you better stability in all kinds of playing conditions.

Reviewers note that these soccer cleats are accommodating for wider feet, especially if you order half a size up from your regular shoe size. The laces are durable and won’t break, even if you pull them extra-tight for a close fit.

Best Budget Pick: DREAM PAIRS Men’s 160471-M Soccer Shoes

These shoes prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great pair of soccer cleats.

$25.99 USD

It’s no secret that soccer cleats, like other types of sports equipment, can get a little expensive. But if you just want to get out on the field without spending a lot of money on fancy gear, you can still find great cleats – like these DREAM PAIRS Men’s 160471-M Soccer Shoes – for a fraction of what you’d pay for big-name soccer shoes. These cleats hold up just as well as expensive ones, according to reviewers, and they’ll leave you with plenty in your wallet to pick up the other soccer gear you need.

Both the soles and the uppers of these cleats are synthetic and lightweight. The rubber molded studs on the soles are configured for optimal rotational traction during fast-paced moments. Between the softness of the man-made leather uppers and the built-in cushioned insoles, your feet will stay comfortable when you wear these cleats. Reviewers even noted that, unlike many of the soccer cleats on the market, these tend to run large and have a roomy toe box. Players with wide feet will appreciate the accommodating fit of these shoes, while players with narrow feet may want to order a size down.

You’ve got a number of color options with these shoes, from classic black to bright red. These cleats also come in a wide range of sizes, from a men’s 6.5 to a 12. While they’re labeled as men’s shoes, these cleats are a great option for women too.

DREAM PAIRS Men’s 160471-M Soccer Shoes Key Features:

Synthetic uppers and soles

Molded rubber studs

Comfortable cushioned insole

Lightweight design

Available in men’s sizes 6.5 through 12

Numerous color options available

Best Kids’ Soccer Cleats: Vizari Striker Soccer Shoes

Best for kids

Vizari Striker Soccer Shoes

The Vizari Striker Soccer Shoes are the best cleats we found for kids.

Picking out cleats for a budding soccer superstar? The Vizari Striker Soccer Shoes are a great all-around choice for toddlers through preteens. Kids will love the fun colors and shiny look of these shoes, and you’ll love how durable they are – the outsole is riveted as well as stitched to the upper, so the cleats will hold up for dozens of practice sessions and games.

These shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and water-resistant. The laces adjust easily, and the tongue folds over the laces to help them stay tied securely all game. These cleats come in a wide range of sizes – kids as young as one and as old as 12 can wear these shoes. Best of all, you can expect to spend just $15 to $30 on these cleats, depending on size. When your soccer champ hits a growth spurt, replacing these cleats will be relatively painless for your wallet.

The flat gum rubber outsole of these shoes is designed for indoor court surfaces, giving you maximum traction without leaving any marks on the floors where you’re playing. The lightweight synthetic uppers are textured for ball control. Amazon reviewers say that these shoes are comfortable and hold up well, even after years of use. These shoes run small, so it might be a good idea to order a slightly larger size than you usually wear.

One great benefit of these shoes is that they’re multi-purpose – you can use them for other court sports, wear them to the gym, or even just use them as regular shoes. They come in blue and white color options, so while they look good, they’re not too flashy for everyday use.

Adidas Performance Men’s Ace 16.2 Soccer Shoes Key Features:

Synthetic upper

Court-specific, high-traction rubber sole

Lightweight and comfortable

Snug fit

Can be worn for other court sports

White and blue color options available

Who Should Buy Soccer Cleats

If you’re a soccer player (or you want to start playing soccer), you need a pair of soccer cleats. There are a couple of reasons why cleats are important. One is that wearing cleats simply makes it easier to play soccer, and the right pair can even improve your game. Outdoor cleats give you better traction on the ground, particularly in rainy or slippery conditions. They help you start running, stop running, and maneuver with the ball more easily than you’d be able to in regular street shoes. Many cleats also have textured uppers that help you dribble better and pass the ball with more precision.

Wearing a good pair of soccer cleats also reduces your risk of getting injured while you’re playing. Part of this is due to the increased control that cleats give you. For instance, if it sprinkles during your game, your cleats make you less likely to slip and fall on wet grass. A correctly-fitting pair of cleats also provides support for your feet and ankles. This doesn’t just make it more comfortable to stay on your feet for all 90 minutes of the game – it also protects your joints so you can keep playing soccer for years to come.

Comfortable and functional, the Adidas Men’s Performance Messi Soccer Cleats are the best adult soccer shoes you can buy.

Important Features to Consider

Soccer cleats should have a number of key features. They should feel lightweight on your feet, provide proper support, and be suited for the type of ground you’re playing on. Here’s what to consider when selecting a pair of soccer cleats.

Ground type. The majority of soccer cleats are made to be used on firm ground. If you’re playing outdoor soccer in an area where the ground is neither extremely hard nor extremely wet, firm ground cleats are probably your best option. The abbreviation FG means that a pair of cleats is made to be used on firm ground. Soft ground cleats are usually marked with the abbreviation SG, hard ground cleats are abbreviated HG, and artificial turf cleats are abbreviated AT.

Material type. Synthetic, kangaroo leather, natural leather – manufacturers use a lot of different materials for the upper parts of soccer cleats. All of these materials can result in a durable and functional soccer shoe, so if you’re a casual player, you may not need to worry about your cleats’ materials much. A few things to know about cleat materials: kangaroo leather (or k-leather) is typically the softest choice, while synthetics tend to be the thinnest and provide the most waterproofing. If you want a super-light pair of cleats, mesh or knit uppers may be the way to go.

Fit. Finding the right fit is crucial – it’s no fun to play in cleats that hurt your feet or slide around. Most soccer cleats, especially those from big brands like NIKE and Adidas, tend to run a little small and narrow. This can make it a challenge for players with wide feet to find comfortable cleats. If you have wide feet, try ordering a size up from what you think you need.

Weight. If speed is of the essence for you on the field, a lightweight pair of cleats is a must. Look for cleats with thin uppers made of mesh, kangaroo leather, or synthetic leather. Cleats made with natural leather or lots of padding tend to be a bit heavier.

Durability. How long do you want your cleats to last? Bulkier cleats tend to last longer than thinner, lighter ones. If you’re okay with replacing your cleats more frequently, or if you’re buying cleats for a child who will outgrow them quickly, it’s fine to go for a light pair. Otherwise, seek out a pair made of weightier materials with heavy-duty stitching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are soccer cleats?

Soccer cleats are special shoes designed for soccer players. Unlike regular shoes, the outsoles of soccer cleats have studs on them. These studs improve a player’s traction on the ground and reduce their risk of injury during games and practices.

Is there a difference between baseball and soccer cleats?

Yes, the two are different and not interchangeable. Baseball cleats have a special front stud called a toe cleat. This toe cleat helps baseball players maintain stability. Soccer is a more contact-heavy sport than baseball is, and soccer cleats do not have a toe cleat because it increases the risk of injuring another player. Baseball cleats are also usually made for hard-packed ground and may have metal studs, while soccer cleats are usually made for grass and have softer rubber studs.

Can you wear soccer cleats to play football?

Yes, you can wear soccer cleats to play football. However, the reverse isn’t true. Like baseball cleats, football cleats have a toe cleat, and they aren’t allowed on the soccer pitch.

Can you wear running shoes for indoor soccer?

You can wear running shoes for indoor soccer, although it’s not recommended. For a single game of indoor soccer or futsal, you can probably get away with just wearing your running shoes. But if you’re going to be playing these sports regularly, it’s a much better idea to invest in a pair of indoor soccer shoes. Indoor soccer shoes are designed to give you good traction on the court, which helps you maneuver quickly. They’re made to withstand lateral motion, unlike most regular running shoes. You’re also less likely to turn your ankle when you’re wearing the correct footgear for indoor soccer.

Other Soccer Cleats We Reviewed

Comfortable and functional, the Adidas Men’s Performance Messi Soccer Cleats are the best adult soccer shoes you can buy.

We looked at 20 other pairs of soccer cleats. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best soccer cleats list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for you or your child. The information you’ll need to compare each pair is included with the listing.

If you’re looking for a light, thin soccer shoe, the Adidas X 15.1 cleats are a great pick. The synthetic-and-leather uppers are soft and responsive, and the shoes are designed without a tongue so they’ll mold to your feet better.

These sleeve-style soccer cleats have compression uppers that conform to the shape of your feet. Reviewers note that they have great ankle support, but may not be the best choice for players with wide feet.

With uppers made from a combination of synthetic leather and kangaroo leather, these cleats are both soft and durable. They’re padded for shock absorption. These cleats come in basic black and white, as well as several other color options.

Made with full-grain leather uppers, Adidas’ Kaiser 5 cleats are inspired by their famous Copa Mundial cleats, but are considerably less expensive. If you’re looking for a traditional pair of soccer cleats with a bit more heft to them, these may be just what you need.

If your least favorite part of getting new soccer cleats is breaking them in, then this might be the perfect pair for you. Thanks to their techfit compression uppers, these cleats conform to the shape of your feet the very first time you put them on.

The asymmetrical lacing on these cleats increases your striking area, making it easier to shoot and pass accurately over long distances. If you play forward, you might find this feature particularly helpful.

These soccer cleats have chevron-shaped studs — perfect for players who need to start and stop moving quickly. The compression uppers are designed for a snug fit. Choose from a whole rainbow of bright or subdued colors for these cleats.

These cleats provide great ankle support with their soft knit Dynamic Fit collar. With their textured uppers, they also help with accurate ball handling and passing. The high outsole wrap on the toe means that these cleats will hold up for many seasons of play.

Players of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, will appreciate these soccer cleats. With their synthetic GripTex uppers, they’re made for accurate ball handling even in rainy conditions. These cleats also have both bladed and round studs, making it easier to change directions quickly.

Key Features:

Polyurethane uppers

GripTex material for accurate ball handling

Synthetic sole

Lightweight

Round and bladed studs

Made for firm ground

Cost: $35

Indoor Soccer Shoes

These indoor soccer shoes are a good pick for anyone who wants an all-around good shoe with a classic look. Made of split-suede leather uppers and gum rubber soles, these shoes will work for indoor soccer, futsal, and any other indoor sports you play.

Sports brand Kelme partnered with the famous tire manufacturer Michelin to create these innovative shoes. Thanks to their high-tech rubber soles, the traction and control these indoor soccer shoes give you is second to none. They’re flexible and long-lasting, too.

These shoes have reinforced rubber toes, so you’ll get years of play out of them. The uppers are made from leather and natural suede. These shoes are made for futsal, but you can also use them for other indoor sports.

Key Features:

Leather and suede uppers

Rubber soles

High-traction

Flexible

Reinforced toes

Removable sockliner

Cost: $40 to $73

Kids’ Soccer Cleats

With their finely textured uppers and asymmetrical lacing area, these cleats have many of the same great features you’d expect to find in a pair of adult soccer shoes. These cleats are made to fit toddlers and kids under age 10.

These cleats have a four-stud heel design that helps prevent dirt and grass from caking on the soles (and getting tracked into the car and house later). Choose from turquoise or gray-and-turquoise color options.

A solid choice for kids of all ages, these synthetic leather soccer cleats are both lightweight and comfortable. They have an anti-skid cloth built into the top of the shoe’s interior, giving players great traction both inside and outside the cleats.

About Sports Life Today

Sports Life Today® (SLT) is a free resource for sports fans, providing everything from in-depth product reviews to sports gear advice. SLT is owned and operated by RKT Publishing. Read more about us and how we’re supported by affiliate commissions.

Sports Life Today

Resources

RKT Publishing Brands

Sports Life Today (SLT) uses cookies to give you the best experience of the website. By continuing to browse, you agree to the use of SLT’s cookies. Find out more about cookies and how we use them on our website in our privacy policy. ACCEPT